Tag Archives: background techniques

A good background should complement your artwork rather than compete with the main elements in a painting. It should show relevance, composure and uniformity to the picture. Its role is to complete and tie your whole artwork together. Remember, the background is there to enhance, and not to overpower the “star of the show”. If […]

Pushing through my project deadline schedule leaves me very little time to create. But occasionally I manage to sneak away … and play a little, you know … just to clear my head for a minute. For a quick background I like to choose DecoArt Media Misters. You can create some really interesting effects with […]

There is nothing quite like the look, the charm and the character of natural timber. And I do believe with all my heart that the natural beauty of woodgrain cannot be replicated. The depth which woodgrain can achieve when used as a surface can enhance any artwork. And the results can be rather exquisite. But, as a […]

As a decorative artist I rarely paint over a wooden surface with a solid colour. Allowing the woodgrain to remain visible can add so much character, interest and natural charm to a painting. And the good news is… there is no basecoating required! A wash of colour over natural timber takes very little effort. It […]

What is Texture medium? Acrylic Texture Medium is used to build up surface texture or add exaggerated dimension to a painting. It has a thick, “Polyfilla” like consistency which will hold its shape when applied to almost any surface that you can use acrylic paints on. It won’t flop or droop. You can create anything […]

The sponging technique would have to be one of the quickest background techniques you can master. It can be applied onto any type of surface. It may even assist in concealing uneven and slightly damaged surfaces. When I started my painting journey it was nearly always recommended to use a sea sponge when sponging. It’s […]